Study of the Phenology of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Grown in Soilless Media under Protected Environment

Traditionally grown in soil, saffron cultivation has been plagued by limited arable land, variable climate conditions, and soil-borne diseases. Phenological studies of the crop during each of its growth stages are crucial for mitigating the detrimental consequences of climate change, to which saffron crop is extremely susceptible. These also help in anticipating the future farming systems that involve crop cultivation methods, irrigation, field, and crop management. In this study, we assess the adaptability of saffron to soilless cultivation. In order to evaluate the performance of saffron grown in soilless media, a crop experiment was carried out over the course of two years, beginning in 2020 and continuing into 2021. Bulbs were planted in plastic polytunnels under two experimental treatments viz. soil-based (PS1) and soilless (PS2), supplemented with adequate nutrients. To evaluate the performance of saffron in soilless culture and to compare it with protected soil-based cultivation, saffron growth indicators were measured a total of twenty-five times at intervals of around twenty days during the entire growing period. The study of growth indices demonstrated that the PS2 (protected soilless cultivation) outperformed PS1 (protected soil-based cultivation) in terms of growth of organs (foliage, roots, mother bulbs, daughter bulbs) and biomass accumulation. In light of these findings, it has been demonstrated that soilless cultivation can be an effective method for the production of saffron.